NESCA

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NESCA Founded by Ann Helmus, NESCA is one of the most well respected and recognized pediatric neuropsychology and integrative treatment practices in New England.

We’re collaborative—We believe that together, we achieve better answers for children and families. We care, deeply—We’re a values-driven organization. We chose our profession because we enjoy helping children and families. We have high expectations for ourselves. We build relationships—We help children build connections with parents, siblings, teachers, peers and the greater community. We’re invested in the success of children and families. We’re real and relatable. We support each other and our collective mission as NESCA. We are curious, lifelong learners—We learn from each other, openly sharing our experience and ideas and inviting those of our broader professional community. We’re not afraid to ask questions. We’re creative problem solvers—We’re flexible, not formulaic, in how we approach a situation. We act as detectives, embracing complexity, looking at the data beyond the data, leveraging a broad array of unique tools and strategies to deliver an approach to evaluation, coaching, consultation and treatment that’s personalized. We look for the good in every child, unearthing strengths and identifying the services, tools and coaching to accommodate limitations while enhancing strengths.

NESCA has partnered with FCSN since the very start because of the tireless efforts and lengths they take to educate so m...
10/22/2026

NESCA has partnered with FCSN since the very start because of the tireless efforts and lengths they take to educate so many different communities and advocate for the inclusion of all children and young adults with special needs. Their team’s fierce dedication is invaluable to families who want the best for their children and students. They are a voice for all, which is why NESCA is a proud sponsor of FCSN. We look forward to continuing our collaboration!

NESCA's Dot Lucci, Maggie Rodriguez, Erin Gibbons, and Cindy Hess showing their support for The Federation for Children with Special Needs at the FCSN 2026 Gala, "Together We Thrive" this past weekend.

Planning for life after high school starts long before graduation! How can families help their child prepare for adultho...
10/19/2026

Planning for life after high school starts long before graduation!
How can families help their child prepare for adulthood?

From exploring future opportunities to building independence and self-advocacy skills, asking the right questions early can make a meaningful difference.

Read NESCA's latest blog for practical guidance on getting started with transition planning.

🔗 https://nesca-newton.com/how-to-start-transition-planning-and-what-questions-to-ask/

For students with disabilities, the transition to adulthood involves more than academic success. Executive functioning, ...
10/13/2026

For students with disabilities, the transition to adulthood involves more than academic success. Executive functioning, self-advocacy, communication, employment, independent living, and other essential life skills can all play an important role in preparing for what comes next.

As Massachusetts continues to evolve its approach to high school graduation requirements, families have an important opportunity to ask: What does my child need to thrive after high school?

In our latest blog, we explore why earning a diploma and being prepared for adulthood are not always the same thing – and provide important questions families can ask their IEP team before graduation.

📖 Read the blog: https://nesca-newton.com/diploma-and-readiness-are-not-the-same-thing/

Please join us in welcoming James Lynch, Ph.D., to NESCA’s Pediatric Neuropsychology team! 🎉Dr. Lynch brings extensive e...
10/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming James Lynch, Ph.D., to NESCA’s Pediatric Neuropsychology team! 🎉

Dr. Lynch brings extensive experience evaluating children and adolescents with ADHD, autism, learning disorders, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities. His thoughtful, individualized approach focuses on understanding each child’s unique strengths and challenges -- and helping families translate evaluation findings into meaningful support.

Get to know Dr. Lynch and learn more about his approach to pediatric neuropsychology in our latest blog. 👇

Link to full blog post: https://nesca-newton.com/nesca-welcomes-james-lynch-ph-d-to-its-pediatric-neuropsychology-team/

🧠 Could language processing be contributing to your child’s executive functioning challenges?Difficulty starting assignm...
09/28/2026

🧠 Could language processing be contributing to your child’s executive functioning challenges?

Difficulty starting assignments, following directions, organizing thoughts, or completing homework may look like an attention issue - but for some students, language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) may be part of the picture.

NESCA’s latest blog explores the connection between LBLD and executive functioning and offers guidance on securing the right IEP or 504 supports.

👉 Read our full blog: https://nesca-newton.com/understanding-lbld-and-executive-functioning-securing-the-right-iep-or-504-support/

Is the back-to-school honeymoon already wearing off? 🎒Morning meltdowns, school avoidance, frequent complaints, or homew...
09/21/2026

Is the back-to-school honeymoon already wearing off? 🎒

Morning meltdowns, school avoidance, frequent complaints, or homework battles can be signs that your child is struggling. Learn the signs to watch for - and how to respond before small challenges become bigger ones.

Consider a neuropsychological evaluation to get to the root cause of your child's struggles. NESCA has immediate openings in its Newton, MA office to accommodate the needs of students that arise after the start of the school year. For more information or to begin the scheduling process, complete our Inquiry/Intake Form at www.nesca-newton.com/intake. An intake coordinator will reach out to answer your questions or assist in scheduling an evaluation.

Read this week's blog: https://nesca-newton.com/when-the-honeymoon-period-is-over-signs-of-school-refusal/

🎓 College brings a whole new set of executive function demands.For first year college students, new or expanded responsi...
09/15/2026

🎓 College brings a whole new set of executive function demands.
For first year college students, new or expanded responsibilities like managing schedules, assignments, deadlines, communication with professors, daily routines, and self-advocacy can be an unexpected challenge.

The good news? Executive function skills can be strengthened with the right support and strategies.

Read NESCA’s latest blog by Occupational Therapist & Executive Function Coach Dr. Sophie Zeif to learn more about helping students navigate the transition to college with greater independence and confidence. 💙

👉 https://nesca-newton.com/college-freshman-and-executive-function-the-often-unexpected-demands-2/

Activities should enrich childhood – not take over childhood.We bring you a very timely read this week in our NESCA Note...
09/08/2026

Activities should enrich childhood – not take over childhood.

We bring you a very timely read this week in our NESCA Notes blog – a practical guide on "How to Choose Kids’ Activities Without Overloading Your Family." It’s chock full of ideas from NESCA Pediatric Neuropsychologist Luisa Hernandez Medellin, Psy.D., PMH-C, on finding the right balance for both children and families.

Read the full blog here: https://nesca-newton.com/how-to-choose-kids-activities-without-overloading-your-family/

Anxiety doesn’t always look like anxiety.For children and teens, anxiety can show up in unexpected ways – irritability, ...
08/31/2026

Anxiety doesn’t always look like anxiety.

For children and teens, anxiety can show up in unexpected ways – irritability, physical complaints, avoidance, meltdowns, difficulty sleeping, or even seeming like they just don’t care about anything. These behaviors are often signs of anxiety, but they can also have other underlying causes.

NESCA Pediatric Neuropsychologist Dr. Miranda Milana explores the less obvious signs of anxiety and why understanding the whole picture matters when determining how to support a child or teen.

Read more to learn what signs and behaviors to look for and when it may be time to seek more support to get to the root cause: https://nesca-newton.com/anxiety-not-always-obvious/

What if the way we praise students could help build their resilience?In Part 2 of her blog series on giving praise, NESC...
08/24/2026

What if the way we praise students could help build their resilience?

In Part 2 of her blog series on giving praise, NESCA’s Dot Lucci, M.Ed., CAGS, explores how praising effort, strategies, perseverance, and growth – not simply results or grades – can help students develop grit and a growth mindset.

As a new school year begins, it’s a great reminder that setbacks can turn into opportunities to learn, grow, and keep going.

Read the full blog: https://nesca-newton.com/the-right-praise-leads-to-grit-part-2/

Address

55 Chapel Street
Newton, MA
02458

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+16176589800

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